Inferior

/ɪnˈfɪr.i.ər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person lower in status or rank.

He was often treated as an inferior by his boss.

A thing or person that is considered to be of lower quality.

They dismissed his ideas as those of an inferior.

adjective

Lower in rank, status, or quality.

She felt inferior to her colleagues due to their extensive experience.

Of lesser quality or value.

The inferior materials used in the construction led to numerous problems.

Situated lower down or below something else.

The inferior layer of rock is denser than the layers above it.

From Latin 'inferior', meaning 'lower, underneath'.

inferior goods

Goods whose demand decreases when consumer incomes rise.

inferior to

Not as good as; less than.

an inferior being

A person or thing regarded as lower in status or quality.

superior

Higher in rank, status, or quality.

subordinate

Lower in rank or position.

mediocre

Of only moderate quality; not very good.

Beneath someone's status.

After the promotion, he made it clear he thought the rest of the team was inferior.

Outdated or not trendy.

Those old shoes are so inferior; no one wears them anymore.